Empower Your Career: ICTQual Level 7 Equine Veterinary Nursing Diploma

The ICTQual Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine) is designed to provide learners with advanced expertise and practical skills required to support veterinary surgeons in the care of horses. Equine veterinary nursing is a highly specialized discipline that demands precision, responsibility, and a deep understanding of equine health. This course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and applied practice, preparing participants to meet the challenges of equine healthcare with confidence and professionalism.
Learners will explore a wide range of topics including equine anatomy and physiology, patient monitoring, surgical assistance, and post-operative care. The training also covers essential aspects of equine welfare, communication within veterinary teams, and the importance of maintaining professional standards. By engaging with scenario-based learning and practical demonstrations, participants gain confidence in applying their skills in real-world equine veterinary environments, ensuring horses receive safe and compassionate care.
This diploma is particularly valuable for individuals seeking to establish themselves in equine veterinary nursing or those already working in animal care who wish to specialize in horses. It empowers learners to demonstrate competence in equine nursing practices while promoting responsible and ethical care. By the end of the training, participants will have the confidence to support veterinary surgeons effectively, ensuring horses benefit from professional and attentive treatment.
Course Overview
Awarding Body
ICTQual AB
Credits
120 Credit
Study Mood
Online
Assessment
Assignments Based
Course Study Units
- Advanced Equine Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Equine Clinical Assessment, Diagnostics, and Imaging
- Equine Anaesthesia, Surgical Nursing, and Theatre Practice
- Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Evidence‑Based Practice in Equine Nursing
- Equine Rehabilitation, Welfare, and Preventive Healthcare
- Leadership, Research, and Professional Development in Veterinary Nursing

Entry Requirements
Who Can Enroll
This course is designed for individuals passionate about equine health and veterinary nursing.
- Aspiring equine veterinary nurses seeking advanced training.
- Veterinary assistants wanting to specialize in horse care.
- Stable staff involved in equine health management.
- Animal care professionals expanding into equine nursing.
- Rescue volunteers supporting horses in medical care.
- Horse owners interested in advanced equine healthcare practices.
Course Learning Outcomes
Advanced Equine Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of equine anatomy across musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems
- Analyse physiological processes that underpin equine health and performance
- Evaluate complex pathophysiological mechanisms in common equine diseases
- Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to clinical decision‑making in nursing practice
- Integrate current research findings into understanding equine disease progression
- Assess the impact of systemic disorders on equine welfare and clinical outcomes
- Critically reflect on how advanced anatomy and physiology informs evidence‑based nursing interventions
- Relate anatomical and physiological knowledge to surgical preparation and rehabilitation protocols
Equine Clinical Assessment, Diagnostics, and Imaging
- Conduct comprehensive equine patient assessments, including history taking and physical examination
- Apply advanced diagnostic techniques such as haematology, biochemistry, and endoscopy
- Utilise imaging modalities including radiography, ultrasonography, and MRI in equine practice
- Interpret diagnostic results to inform evidence‑based nursing care plans
- Evaluate the limitations, risks, and ethical considerations of diagnostic procedures
- Collaborate effectively with veterinary surgeons in diagnostic decision‑making
- Critically appraise emerging diagnostic technologies for equine healthcare
- Maintain accurate records to support compliance and clinical audits
Equine Anaesthesia, Surgical Nursing, and Theatre Practice
- Demonstrate advanced competence in equine anaesthesia protocols and monitoring techniques
- Prepare equine patients for surgery, ensuring welfare and safety standards are upheld
- Assist in theatre practice, including aseptic techniques and surgical instrumentation
- Manage peri‑operative care, including pain management and recovery protocols
- Evaluate risks associated with equine anaesthesia and surgery, applying mitigation strategies
- Reflect on surgical nursing practices to improve patient outcomes and professional standards
- Integrate evidence‑based approaches into anaesthesia and surgical nursing decisions
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective surgical outcomes
Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Evidence‑Based Practice in Equine Nursing
- Apply advanced pharmacological knowledge to equine medicine administration
- Evaluate therapeutic options for equine patients, considering efficacy and safety
- Promote responsible medicine use, including antimicrobial stewardship
- Integrate evidence‑based practice into prescribing and nursing decisions
- Critically appraise current research in equine pharmacology and therapeutics
- Maintain accurate records to support compliance and audit requirements
- Assess the impact of pharmacological interventions on equine welfare and recovery
- Reflect on ethical considerations in prescribing and administering equine medicines
Equine Rehabilitation, Welfare, and Preventive Healthcare
- Design and implement rehabilitation programmes for equine patients recovering from injury or surgery
- Promote preventive healthcare strategies including vaccination, parasite control, and dental care
- Evaluate welfare standards and ethical considerations in equine nursing practice
- Collaborate with owners and multidisciplinary teams to support long‑term equine wellbeing
- Assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation and preventive programmes using measurable outcomes
- Reflect on the nurse’s role in advancing equine welfare and preventive healthcare initiatives
- Critically analyse current research in equine rehabilitation and welfare practices
- Apply international standards of animal welfare to equine nursing interventions
Leadership, Research, and Professional Development in Veterinary Nursing
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing equine nursing teams and clinical environments
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to professional development within veterinary practice
- Design and conduct research projects that advance equine nursing knowledge
- Critically evaluate clinical audits and quality assurance processes
- Engage in reflective practice to enhance professional growth and patient care standards
- Contribute to policy development and professional discourse in veterinary nursing
- Promote ethical leadership and accountability in equine healthcare settings
- Collaborate with professional bodies to strengthen veterinary nursing standards internationally
